ACCEPTING THE BIBLE'S VIEW

In many homes around the world, men view child training as chiefly woman's work.  True, the Word of God points to the father's role as principal breadwinner.  However, it also says that he has responsibilities  in the home.    The Bible says:  "Prepare your work out of doors, and make it ready for yourself in the field. Afterward you must also build up your household." (Proverbs 24:27)  In God's view, fathers and mothers are partners in child training. -Proverbs 1:8, 0.

How do you view your children? Reports say that in Asia "baby girls often receive a poor welcome."  Bias against girls reportedly still exists in Latin America, even among the "more enlightened families."  The truth is, though, girls are not second-class children.  Jacob, a noted father of ancient times, described all his offspring, including any daughters born up to that time, as "the children with whom God has favored [me]."  (Genesis 33:1=5; 37:35) Likewise, Jesus blessed all "the young children" (boys and girls) that were brought to him.  (Matthew 19:13-15) We can be sure that he reflected Jehovah's view. -Deuteronomy 16:14. 

Does your community expect a woman to give birth to as many children as possible?  Rightfully, how many children a married couple have is their personal decision.  What if parents lack the means to feed, clothe and educated numerous children? ( With the way the world is today, you should limit yourself to a certain amount of children-to which you can afford to take care of financially. The parents should not think that should they have more, that the public-state  should have to help take care of them.) Surely, the couple should consider this when deciding on the size of their family. (to do otherwise would be selfish in many ways)  Some couples who cannot support all their children entrust relatives with the responsibility to raise some of them.  Is this practice desirable? (Not to me; it is selfish to expect that, unless the relatives are willing to do so) Not really. And it does not relieve the parents of their obligation toward their children.  The Bible says:  "If any one does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith."  (1 Timothy 5:8)  Responsible couples try to plan the size of their "household" so that they  can 'provide' for those who are their own.' Can they practice birth control  in order to do this?  That too is a personal decision, and if married couples do decide on this course, the choice of contraceptive is also a personal matter. "Each one will carry his own load."  (Galatians 6:5) However, birth control that involves any form of abortion goes contrary to Bible principles.  Jehovah God is "the source of life." (Psalm 36:9) Therefore, to snuff out a life after it has been conceived would show gross disrespect  for Jehovah and is tantamount to murder. -Exodus 139:16; Jeremiah 1:5. 

Next time: FILLING YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS

From the book:  THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996